EAST STROUDSBURG – The East Stroudsburg University lacrosse team (13-5) begins its journey of a hopeful return to the NCAA National Championship Game on Friday, when it opens the NCAA Atlantic Regional against Kutztown (13-5) at 3:00 p.m. at West Chester’s Vonnie Gross Field. 

For the complete NCAA Tournament schedule, ticketing information and more, visit the NCAA Atlantic Region Championship Central.

About ESU: The Warriors will have the opportunity to get revenge, after falling to the Golden Bears in each of its past two games against KU. It will be the fourth time the teams will meet in 37 days, with the Warriors earning a 10-9 win in the first meeting at Whitenight Field. Kutztown closed the regular season with a 16-14 win over ESU and opened the postseason with a 12-9 victory over the Warriors, with both games being played at KU’s Keystone Field. The Warriors are led by All-PSAC East and IWLCA All-Region First Team selection Emily Mitarotonda, who paces the squad with 72 goals, 14 assists and 86 points. Just as lethal on the defensive end, Mitarotonda ranks among the best nationally in caused turnovers and ground balls. She also leads the Red and Black in draw controls. 

ESU NCAA Tournament History: The Warriors have posted impressive success in the NCAA Tournament as of late, earning three regional titles over the past four seasons, including its first national championship appearance in 2022. ESU looks to three-peat with a regional championship this season, but will have to go through Kutztown, nationally-ranked Seton Hill or undefeated No. 1 ranked West Chester. The Warriors heard its named called during its sixth consecutive NCAA Selection Show on Sunday night, posting an overall record of 8-5 in the NCAA Tournament. Last season, ESU defeated Mercyhurst and West Chester (OT) at Eiler-Martin Stadium to advance to the NCAA Semifinals in St. Charles, Missouri. The Warriors took down Queens (N.C.) before falling to UIndy, 11-9, in the NCAA Championship contest.

Know the Foe: Kutztown has an identical 13-5 record, falling to Seton Hill in the PSAC Tournament. The Golden Bears earned its first-ever berth into the NCAA Tournament, with second-year head coach Kristen Nicholson helping KU tie its program record for wins in a season with 13. ESU will look to limit Emma Meakim and Lailah ElBouazzaoui and Sam Graf, with Meakim ranking in the top-five in assists and ElBouazzoui and Graf combining for over 100 goals on the season. In goal, Jenna Blesson holds a strong save percentage of .463, averaging 10.04 goals allowed per game.  

All-Region: On Wednesday, the IWLCA announced that Riley DiFiore (GK), Kiki Fitzpatrick (A), Emily Mitarotonda (M) and Maggie Sell (D) were named to the IWLCA All-Region First Team, while Hannah Schiemer and Olivia Wenrich landed on the all-region second team.

All-PSAC: Last week, six Warriors were on honored all-conference teams, highlighted by Maggie Sell being named the PSAC East Defender of the Year and Hannah Schiemer earning PSAC East Freshman of the Year. Along with Sell, Emily Mitarotonda and Kiki Fitzpatrick earned All-PSAC East First Team honors, while Madison Bagatta and Riley DiFiore took home second-team accolades.